Simeone: "There are times when everyone has doubts"

Diego Simeone attended the presentation of his new autobiography at the Vicente Calderón. The book entitled "Creer" (Believe with the sub title of "The challenge to always improve ones self") was released on Tuesday in the Spanish market.

After an introduction from Atleti president Enrique Cerezo, Pepe Pasqués, Cholo's PR agent and the Argentine coach went into detail surrounding the book and it's content.

What is "Creer"? (the title of the book)

This word (to believe) is key to my way of understanding football. It's all about belief. It's a book that explores absolute truth and a part of it is my particular vision of this truth.

How highly do you rate being passionate?

I don't understated football, or life for that matter without this core value. We can all make mistakes but I will never tolerate lack of effort. If you can be passionate about one thing then that could be applied to anything.

In the book you state that crises are a good thing...

It's a difficult concept to explain and it's best to live through this type of situation. Certain people get anxious and lose their vision. This happens to me when we're expected to win and I'm the opposite when we lose. I try and remain objective and look for answers.

You claim to try and avoid conflict and this is a value that you picked up from your father.

My dad had a certain way of handling himself and always claimed that "he who thinks less in a tense situation is always the loser".

You ascertain that a player forms part of the bigger machine but alone the player can't operate without the machine.

We all understand that the collective work is centered on talent. Look at the way Neymar, Messi, and Suárez have adapted in an excellent way of working together.

What about dreams?

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It's well and good but don't dream too much as it means you're asleep. The important thing is to translate dreams into reality

How much importance to you give to observation.

We all watch and listen but that's not the same as observing. After five minutes of watching my players in any game I know who will play well,  I can read it in their eyes, read it in their gestures, their body language. The difference between winning and losing a game is minimal.

In the book there are plenty of personal insights about the game of football but i especially like your relaying that feeling in the tunnel just prior to a game.

The build-up...the bus arriving at the stadium, the shirts laid out in the changing room. Those who have played the game know what I mean. It's a cocktail of emotion and fear is also prevalent. Those in the game who claim to never have fear are not real for me.

Tell me about making that switch from player to coach. How was the process?

At the age of about 26 or 27 I wanted to coach. I used to plan imaginary sessions  in my head and then the Racing opportunity came along. At that moment in time I was anxious to implant effort and that if my players gave their all on the pitch they could come in after a game with their head's held high.

Speaking of passion, how do you rate Griezmann'

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He knows that he's at a great club. He's had the chance to grow and help him become the player he is today. He's set to become one of the best. On the same level as Messi and Ronaldo.

If you fail to win the league or Champions League would that be enough for you to lose faith in Atlético?

I'm still very open. I want us to improve on the start to the season that we've had. We're building a fantastic new stadium that will be open for business next season and I would like to be part of that.

What'd your opinion of Tebas' comment stating that it's important that Real Madrid and Barcelona are always successful?

Football is a business, anyone who fails to grasp that is missing the point.